Social Security 3 Social Security Numbers That Will Change in October - And How Each One Could Affect Your 2027 Retirement By David Maina, October may not seem like the obvious time to think about next year, but it offers an early look at what could change for Social Security. Several key figures become official that month, affecting how much you could receive or earn while collecting benefits. With early projections already available, you can get a sense of what may be ahead for your senior benefits. Here are three figures to watch as you look toward 2027. Find Out: 13 moves seniors could benefit from but often forget about. 1. The cost-of-living increase for 2027 The Senior Citizens League projects a 3.8% COLA for 2027, which would be a full percentage point above the 2.8% increase that took effect in January 2026. For someone receiving the average retired-worker benefit of about $2,071 a month, that would add roughly $79 per month, or about $944 over a year. That said, you may not see that entire increase in your bank account. Medicare Part B premiums are typically deducted directly from Social Security, so a higher 2027 premium could take a bite out of the COLA before your payment arrives. You can also benefit from the COLA if you're 62 or older and haven't claimed Social Security yet. The annual increase is usually added to your benefit while you wait, and any delayed retirement credits you earn can increase it further. Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started. 2. The earnings limits for working beneficiaries If you collect Social Security before full retirement age and continue working, earning too much can cause part of your benefits